US seeks sanctions waiver for exports to Syria
US envoy George Mitchell has told Syrian President Bashar al-Assad that Washington will seek sanctions waivers in order to export aircraft and other equipment to Syria, US officials said Monday.
But the officials said the move -- which comes as President Barack Obama's administration pursues diplomatic engagement with Syria, a former foe -- did not signify any lifting or easing of sanctions imposed on Damascus in 2004.
"Senator Mitchell told President Assad that the US would process all eligible applications for export licenses as quickly as possible," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said as Mitchell continued his regional tour.
Kelly, speaking after the daily briefing, cited in particular "requests to export products related to information technology and telecommunication equipment and parts and components related to the safety of civil aviation."
But Kelly said "there hasn't been any decision to lift the sanctions" imposed under president George W. Bush's administration. "Any changes to US sanctions require close coordination with Congress," he told reporters.
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